My first Bumbershoot was insane. It was so hot. I spent an entire day running from stage to stage, with the occasional pit stops at a lemonade stand. I remembering slugging down large glasses of sweet, pulpy goodness so fast I’d get a brain freeze. But it didn’t matter because there was more dancing to be done. I danced until the sun set. And then I danced some more. I had a large henna tattoo painted down the side of my ribcage and I bought a small-jeweled anklet that jingled as I walked.

It was magical. Every year I go, it still is. Bumbershoot is coming. It’s less than to weeks away. From August 31 to September 2, music and festivities will converge at the Seattle Center. It’s going to be epic. It always is.

This fantastic festival began in ’71. It was originally called Festival ’71. It formally dubbed Bumbershoot in ‘73. As the brainchild of Mayor Wes Uhlman, the first festival featured a logging show, horseback rides and a popular ‘Hot Pants Contest.’

While no official ‘Hot Pants Contest’ still exists, this isn’t a crowd who would frown upon you embracing the challenge all the same. With genres ranging from jazz and pop to rock and American, there’s something for everyone here. (Hip hop, electronic, blues, global and comedy will also be playing.)

Special family-friendly shows and a Kids Zone for kids 10 and under and their families will feature performances and activities. (The Kids Zone is open from 11:00 am – 6:00 PM.)

Bumbershoot is even more unique because of its commitment to sustainability. It is recognized as one of the most sustainable festivals nationwide. Among its sustainable practices are:

Encouraging guests to bring their own reusable water bottles and use the free water stations.

Requiring vendors to use 100 percent compostable plates and utensils. And providing compost stations throughout the festival grounds.

Selling festival gear made of sustainable materials.

Tickets are available here. You can find the entire concert lineup here.

Flights from the San Juans and Victoria, BC are under an hour. And, the Seattle Center is just a hop, skip and a jump from our Lake Union Terminal. So you could be dancing, singing and getting down with your bad self in no time. What are you waiting for?